Reflection On Love

Love:

Thomas Aquinas said that love is willing the good of the other as other, really wanting what is best for someone else.

I’ve never found this to be more true till now, I’ve grown up thinking I knew what “love” is, because I’ve grown up with such love around me, but I never truly understood what it honestly meant. Surly I should have known since I have family and friends that love me. So why did it take me so long to comprehend what “love” really means? I mean it’s not like I’ve been cold hearted and hateful. Sure I’ve had my time when I wasn’t the best but does that mean I didn’t love? I didn’t love anybody and instead in a miserable state of mind and not realizing the negativity I was creating? I don’t think this was the complete picture, rather a partial image of destructive thoughts. I have loved my entire life, just didn’t recognize when I didn’t love. When I didn’t love myself for the mistakes I’ve made. When I didn’t love a friend ‘cause I thought they were being selfish when instead it was myself who was self-centered. When a stranger did something strange and I was quick to judge. Now, I’m not saying I’m perfect and I love EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE, but I am learning. Learning to recognize when something is done out of Love other than egotistical rewards. Self-gratification isn’t what I strive for; I don’t think it should be something you do your utmost efforts for.

Just a bit of food for thoughts: Stop and reflect on it and think about how love has been in your own life. Have you been wiling the good of the other as other? I know I have to remind myself to do this ‘cause far too often I tend to get lost in an ego-driven world.

This man has taught me so much, I don't think he realizes the impact he has been in my life. He has taught me how to love and that family is everything even when you feel the world is against you. He has taught me what hard work looks like. He has taught me how to be grateful and thankful for everything in your life, even when it feels like you have nothing. He has taught me that when you feel alone and fragile, you still matter to someone. Be brave, be strong, fight for what you stand for, love with all your heart, and thank GOD for it all.

This is my Great-Grandfather: Love him! 

Thomas & Ashlie Boyer

What a wonderful couple to photograph: Congratulations Thomas & Ashlie Boyer! It was such a pleasure to be a part of your special day. I'm glad I was able to witness such a beautiful celebration of love! From the dress to dancing everything is as beautiful as you make it to be, all of it is such a blessing.

Appreciative

Here we are again, questioning “life”. This time around though I had a really great friend tell me something that struck my core. Normally I take my friends thoughts and opinions into consideration. I might not always choose to follow what they might have to say, but I do listen. Recently though I found myself hearing what they had to say but not listening to what they were truly telling me. As I was questioning my life and my purpose in what I was doing a friend told me “Jess you’re not GOD; quite trying to be GOD” I told her ‘yeah I know this I’m not trying to be GOD just trying to do what is right.’ Turns out…She was completely right! I knew what she meant but it didn’t hit me until a few days later. Along with other random acts of what I feel was God telling me…Jess just shut up and listen. I am so thankful for that friend rightfully being strict and honest with me. She had told me the same thing countless of times and it was this particular time that just stuck and opened my eyes. I needed it and I am extremely grateful and thankful for her.

This is not to say that my life is perfect but I do have a better perspective on my life again.

So to this friend I tell you THANKS!! Thanks for being honest, truthful even if and when it hurts to hear the truth. Most of all I say thanks for being an amazing friend! I’m so glad GOD has placed you in my life (he knows how much I need you) lol. Also, since you got married your familia now!

Silence

Music, Photography, Film Production, Art, Family, Friends, and most of all GOD.

These things are what keep me alive. The essence of my life flourishes on my faith. I still don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing in my life, but I pray I’m on the right path. So when I get scared and often times I do, I try to remind myself to stop and be thankful for everything I have in my life. It’s not always easy to do and more than often I get knocked down feeling alone and torn apart on “life”.  I know that my struggles aren’t meaningless, the pain is far too much to be ignored, but I repeatedly hide them from the surface I face. Truly, you all know my life isn’t perfect nobody’s life is, so please stop telling me that mine is. I can’t take back the words I never said, but I promise myself that I will not hide behind the silence.